Josh Shapiro, Governor | Pennsylvania Government
Three farm and food industry workers were recognized as Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year in a ceremony held at Adams County Nursery in Aspers. The event was attended by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Secretary of Labor & Industry Nancy A. Walker, and Kimberly Paley, President of the PA State Council of Farm Organizations.
The honorees are Wilson Garcia Deras, an orchard laborer at Adams County Nursery; Jose Maderas, harvest supervisor at Leidy's Premium Meats in Souderton, Montgomery County; and Jose "Ponce" Cruz, crew supervisor at Bonnie Brae Fruit Farms in Gardners, Adams County. These awards acknowledge their contributions to ensuring a safe and secure food supply for families and local economies throughout Pennsylvania.
According to state officials, nearly 600,000 workers support Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector, which generates $132.5 billion annually.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding stated: "Hard-working, skilled, team-players like Wilson, Ponce, and Jose inspire their coworkers to perform extremely well in demanding, difficult jobs to put food on all our tables and keep their employers in business." He added: "The Shapiro Administration applauds the tremendous contributions agriculture workers, whether they are citizens or guest workers, make to our communities, our economy and to every single one of our daily lives. Governor Josh Shapiro has made Pennsylvania agriculture a top priority since day one, recognizing the industry and the workers who keep it running as central to our state's and our nation's economic security."
Other speakers at the event included Kim Paley from the PA State Council of Farm Organizations; John Paul from Adams County Nursery; Phil McClay from Leidy's Premium Meats; Sarah Zost from Bonnie Brae; along with award recipients Wilson Garcia Deras, Jose Madera, and Jose Ponce Cruz.
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